Portugal

Portugal is a vivacious country that’s full of life. Amid the old-fashioned villages and bustling cities you’ll meet countless locals who will be eager to share their love of history, food, and fun. It’s no surprise that street festivals are commonplace in Portugal - the streets fill with drink, food, and dancing in celebration of the life of the saints, the joy of music, the rich history, or the passion of local dance.

The best small group Portugal tours explore the 800 kilometers of pristine coastline, dotted with quaint, quiet towns full of fishing folk and thriving resort towns that are home to countless shops, restaurants, and bars. For the full Portugal tourism experience, make sure you head inland to experience the granite peaks of the Portuguese mountain ranges and the rolling hills of fertile farmland.

Albatross Tour’s captivating Portugal tour itinerary visits the big cities of Porto and Lisbon, while making time to experience lesser-known but equally impressive destinations such as:

  • Guimarães: Originally founded in the 10th century, Guimarães is a large city in northern Portugal that is said to be the place where ‘Portugal was born’. It’s primarily a historic town with ancient castles, museums and cultural institutions; however, the growth of the local university and student population has brought increased energy to the region.
  • Évora: Sitting above the rolling grass plains of the Alentejo in southwest Portugal, Évora is a 14th century town full of delightful alleyways, bucolic wineries and traditional restaurants. Praça do Giraldo, the main city square, was once used as execution grounds but is now a tourist mecca for the wonderful gothic and Romanesque architecture.
  • Sintra: Built around a charming palace that could have inspired countless fairy tales, Sintra is a large town that sits atop the ferny Sintra Mountains. There is an abundance of Romantic-era monuments in town, including the medieval Castle of the Moors and the arabesque Pena National Palace, which is why the town is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outside of town, there are a number of scenic walking trails that follow the rich forest as it creeps over granite mountains.

Smaller group size
up to 28

'Magnifico' Spain and Portugal

18 Glorious Days
  • Start: Madrid
  • Ends: Madrid
  • Countries: Portugal, Spain

See Segovia’s dramatic Alcázar and relax beside the massive stone aqueduct.

Touring Portugal by Coach

Touring Portugal by coach is an excellent way to explore the country's charming towns, coastal villages, and scenic countryside. Albatross Tours offers unique Portuguese tours that take you to the country's most beautiful destinations. Our coaches are first-class, with plenty of room to spread out and large windows that allow you to take in the stunning views. Our smaller travel groups ensure that you have a more personalised experience and that you get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Manager better. With Albatross Tours, you can sit back, relax and enjoy Portugal's breathtaking landscapes and fascinating culture.

When to Visit Portugal

Portugal is a great year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do and see.

The summer months, from June to August, are the peak tourist season, and it's the perfect time to enjoy the beaches. However, it can get crowded and hot.

If you’re more interested in exploring the cities and landmarks, the best time to visit is outside of summer, when the crowds are smaller.

Portuguese Culture

Things to Know Before You Go

Here are some important details that you should know before you go:

  • Language - Naturally, the official language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is also prevalent around Portugal, particularly in large cities in tourist zones. If you’re planning on visiting smaller towns, it's a great idea to learn a few words in Portuguese so you can interact with the locals.
  • Timezone and daylight - It’s important to note that Portugal follows the Western European Time Zone. Portugal receives approximately 9.5 hours of daylight in winter, which rises to around 15.5 hours in summer.
  • Money - Portugal utilises the euro (€) as currency. This consists of 100 cents and you’ll find locals trading in notes of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, as well as coins of €2, €1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢, and 1¢.
  • Electricity - The electricity voltage is 230V, and the sockets are Type F.